By Frank Ulom
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Cross River State chapter, has questioned reported allocations of more than ₦100 million to each of the state’s 18 local government areas, raising concerns about transparency, alleged vote-buying and the possible misuse of personal voter information ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party, in a press release dated 16 October 2026 and signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Amawu Cletus Albert Amawu, demanded public accountability over the reported expenditure and urged residents to reject electoral inducements and protect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to the NDC, reports that more than ₦100 million has been allocated to each local government area amount to a combined ₦1.8 billion, a development it said warrants clarification from the relevant authorities.
The party asked who authorised the reported allocations, the budgetary provisions under which the funds were released, the projects they were intended to finance and the procurement and monitoring mechanisms put in place.
It also questioned why the allocations were reportedly being made so close to the 2027 elections and what safeguards existed to prevent the funds from being used for partisan political mobilisation.
“Public money is not a political war chest. Development is not a campaign gift,” the statement said.
The NDC called on the Cross River State Government to provide details of the reported allocations, including whether the funds had been approved, released or spent, and to explain the projects being funded.
NDC warns against ‘Greek gifts’
The party cautioned Cross River residents against accepting attractive offers that could carry political expectations, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
It noted that cash distributions, food packages, healthcare services, educational assistance and hastily announced projects should be scrutinised to determine whether they represent genuine public services or attempts to influence voters.
The NDC urged citizens to ask who was financing such interventions, why they were being introduced at this time and what public purpose they were intended to serve.
It maintained that residents were entitled to legitimate development initiatives but should remain alert to attempts to exchange temporary financial benefits for political support.
Raises concerns over PVC data collection
The party also expressed concern over reports of political meetings allegedly aimed at wooing voters through palliatives and inducements, alongside claims of attempts to collect PVC information and other sensitive personal data.
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to investigate credible complaints involving unlawful data collection, voter intimidation and vote-buying.
The NDC advised residents to retain possession of their PVCs, verify the identities of individuals requesting personal information and avoid surrendering confidential details to unauthorised persons.
It further urged citizens to document and report threats, coercion and unlawful electoral inducements to the appropriate authorities, while preserving evidence where it was safe and lawful to do so.
Outlines seven steps to protect votes
As part of its campaign for electoral vigilance, the party outlined seven measures it said residents should adopt to protect their votes ahead of the 2027 general election.
These include safeguarding PVCs and personal information, rejecting vote-buying and political coercion, documenting and reporting intimidation, demanding accountability for public expenditure, intensifying community-based voter education, supporting peaceful and lawful electoral monitoring, and voting in accordance with the law.
The NDC also encouraged community groups and civil society organisations to promote awareness of electoral rights and support credible observation of the electoral process.
It urged voters to participate peacefully, follow official procedures and report irregularities to the relevant authorities.
NDC says APC’s performance should be judged by results
The party said the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for Cross River residents to assess the performance of the administration based on its record in employment, infrastructure, healthcare, education and rural development.
It argued that the distribution of palliatives could not replace a comprehensive development agenda, insisting that public officials should be assessed through verifiable evidence, public records and residents’ experiences.
The NDC maintained that the electorate should be able to make independent political choices without pressure or inducement.
It called on INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and other relevant institutions to pay attention to credible allegations of electoral malpractice and ensure that complaints received appropriate attention.
“If the reported allocations are genuine, let the government explain them. If the projects are legitimate, let them be implemented transparently and without political coercion,” the statement said.
The party added that Cross River residents must remain politically conscious and united in defending their electoral rights, stressing that no amount of money or gifts should deprive voters of the freedom to make independent choices.
The NDC concluded that public funds should be deployed transparently for development and that every vote in the 2027 elections must count.
